Back on the Trent and Mersey

It was such a shame to have to leave last night's mooring for it had a wonderful view overlooking the fields surrounding Little Moreton Hall.
On the way up the Mac we spotted nb Rosie and we had originally met Roy and Audrey at Cambrian Wharf in Birmingham on our maiden voyage back in 2010. They are fellow BCF members and have had their boat for 40 years and boy, have they looked after it. They have travelled along every waterway in England and were then looking for a canalside house where they could eventually hang up their lock keys. So Keith dug out their mobile number and dropped them a text to see if they would be in when we passed the spot this morning. Bingo yes they would be there and furthermore, they had just bought their dream cottage.

Roy was waiting for us when we pulled up and helped us moor. Dianne had just secured the bow rope through the thick grass and was getting off the boat when she fell into the canal right up to her waist! Fortunately no damage was done and was able to get back onto the bank without too much trouble.

So after a quick change of clothing we were invited in for a cup of coffee. They have taken over the property only five weeks ago and found that the garden and the inside were in a sorry state and needed a lot of work doing to it. That has not put them off even though they are in their late 70s and have concentrated on sorting out the garden during the fine weather and live on their boat in the meantime. Interestingly there is no vehicle access to the property and everything has to be walked up a steepish slope 100 yards from the road.
The cottages were originally occupied by British Waterways workers whose sole job was to open and close the swing bridge by means of a chain 24/7 to allow the working narrowboats to pass. It still works now!

After a good few hours of chattering about their many exploits it was time to leave and to begin to tackle the locks on 'Heartbreak Hill'.

As we come off the Macclesfield canal we drop down through one lock and go under the Mac.

The Macclesfield canal passing overhead

It was essential today to find a spot with good TV reception in order to watch the first of the semi-finals or a pub with a screen! We moored outside the Broughton Arms at Rode Heath but could not get a decent signal so booked a table for a meal inside and a ringside seat.